One by One
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia, Recipient

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia

Richmond, British Columbia

Promotional thank-you gifts celebrate volunteers of ALS organization

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of British Columbia was founded more than 40 years ago by neurologist Dr. Andrew Eisen, as well as ALS patients and family members, with a goal to provide support to others impacted by the disease. Along with helping meet the physical and emotional needs of people impacted by this diagnosis, the Society funds ALS research and advocates for those affected.

ALS is a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells which control muscles throughout the body. Each year, about 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed with ALS and an additional 1,000 Canadians die of the disease.

Since 1981, ALS Society of British Columbia has connected with residents diagnosed with ALS to offer help. Its services include offering physical equipment, like wheelchairs or lifts; information; counseling services; support groups; caregiver resources; and more. Mobile clinics deliver care to rural patients as well.

Moving toward a brighter future

The Society’s services are offered at no cost, so fundraising is critical. Each summer, it hosts Move to Cure ALS events across British Columbia. Many are in June, which is designated as ALS Awareness Month. Move to Cure ALS events bring communities together to celebrate hope for a future without the disease. Participants move together, whether it be by walking, running, rolling or showing support.

Move to Cure ALS events are the signature fundraisers for the organization and volunteers play a crucial role. Len Alabata, events and support coordinator, said about 50 volunteers helped pull off the 12 events in 2025. “The events are a lot of fun,” Len said. “And they are inspiring. Especially in Prince George, which was one of our first locations that started the walk in 2003. This year they celebrated the 23rd year, so it was really memorable.”

A bright idea for promotional thank-you gifts

A one by one grant provided promotional sunglasses given as volunteer thank-you gifts. The sunglasses were included in a kit of information and supplies given to volunteers before their event. All through the summer, Move to Cure ALS volunteers could be seen helping with registration, managing the course, setting and cleaning up, and more—all while sporting brand-matching purple promotional sunglasses.

A note from Cheryl

For more than 40 years, ALS Society of British Columbia has helped people affected by ALS. We were proud to provide promotional thank-you gifts for the volunteers who help make crucial fundraising events happen. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.

“About ALS.” ALS SLA Canada, n.d., als.ca/what-is-als/about-als

For more information about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia, please visit https://www.alsbc.ca/

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